Derek Barnett is in a tight battle for a spot in the Eagles’ edge rush rotation, and with Day 3 of training camp set for Friday, the veteran restructured his contract on Thursday.
Barnett suffered a season-ending torn ACL last year during a Week 1 win over the Lions.
According to Over The Cap, Barnett was previously due a $7.5M salary ($1.5M guaranteed) with up to $1M in per-game bonuses (max value $8.5M) for the final year of his contract.
The former Tennessee Vols star will now make a $3.5M guaranteed salary, with $250K in per-game bonuses and up to $2.25M in incentives (max value $6M).
Here are three early takeaways from the move.
Edge rusher rotation
Through the first two days of camp, Brandon Graham and rookie Nolan Smith have played the left side with Haason Reddick out with an injury.
Josh Sweat is the starter on the right side, and it appears that Barnett, Janarius Robinson, and Tarron Jackson will all compete for playing time and a roster spot.
Salary cap
Philadelphia currently has $13,867,023 in cap space according to Over The Cap
The moves creates a little over $1.5 million for the Eagles in an early breakdown of the cap.
Pontential trade
Barnett is a solid edge rusher who can pressure the quarterback, while also playing stout against the run.
Even with the added money in guarantees, it could simply make the veteran a more intriguing trade candidate for teams who don’t have Philadelphia’s depth at the position.
